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I think the Bend community is well aware that a sex offender has been released back into our community as of last night. Garry Harding was released on probation, with no jail time and no requirement to register as a sex offender. This after having exposed himself to several teenage girls at coffee shops and fast food places in August.

What was the judge thinking? Were the community's best interests taken into consideration with the sentencing? I don't think so.

He was instructed to complete a sex offenders course - which he has already done once before for a sex offense with a minor in Wasco County. Yet, he is not required to register as a sex offender??? This man has a record. A history. A developing pattern.

He was released with no job, no home, no car and no family here in Bend which makes me wonder if he won't become even more dangerous just wandering around the streets of Bend.

It's Halloween and there will be lots of small kids out on the streets tonight. I don't want this man loose on the streets or in our community. At the very least -- seeing as how the judge doesn't believe that any jail time is necessary -- he should be required to register as a sex offender so that our good citizens have a chance at keeping an eye out for him.

Judge Haslinger needs a wake up call, and Harding should have received harsher punishment instead of a slap on the wrist.